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By: Edward Graham Sebbie
The Member of Parliament for Tema East, Isaac Ashai Odamtten, has called for calm and dialogue between the Tema Development Company Limited (TDC) and the Tema Metropolitan Assembly (TMA) amid a growing disagreement over development planning authority.
The intervention follows heightened tensions after the reported ransacking of a project site and subsequent press conferences by the two state institutions, each asserting its position in the dispute.
Residents of the affected area, who have expressed concerns about the development, called on their Member of Parliament to intervene to help restore calm and protect the interests of the community.
Speaking to the press at the disputed site, Mr. Odamtten, who also chairs the TDC Board, said he had a responsibility to help facilitate an amicable resolution in the broader interest of the state, the institutions involved and residents.
He appealed to residents to remain calm and allow legitimate development activities to proceed where appropriate, while urging the TDC and TMA to return to the negotiating table.
Mr. Odamtten said the two institutions must find common ground and resolve the matter within the confines of the relevant laws governing development planning and land management.
Meanwhile, the Tema Traditional Council has expressed concern over the escalating disagreement between the TDC and TMA, warning that the situation could disturb the peace and serenity of the traditional area.
The Shipii of Tema and spokesperson for the Tema Traditional Council, Nii Amarh Somponu, appealed to all parties to exercise restraint as the traditional area begins its annual Homowo festival celebration today, Friday, August 14, 2026.
He cautioned against any action that could trigger disturbances, stressing that the chiefs and people of Tema would not tolerate attempts to undermine the sovereignty and interests of the traditional area.
Nii Amarh Somponu further recalled the historical loss of Tema lands and said the people would resist any developments they perceive as an attempt to shortchange the traditional authority.
The calls for calm come as the disagreement between the TDC and TMA continues to draw public attention, with stakeholders urging both institutions to prioritise dialogue and the rule of law to prevent the dispute from escalating.
The immediate focus is now on finding a mutually acceptable resolution that protects the interests of residents while ensuring that development activities in Tema are undertaken in accordance with the law.
